Natural Awakenings is your guide to a healthier, more
balanced life. In each issue readers find cutting-edge
information on natural health, nutrition, fitness, personal
growth, green living, creative expression and the products
and services that support a healthy lifestyle.

32

38

Contents
18 MEDITATION

18

THAT WORKS

Tips for Finding the Right Practice

22 BE ON THE BALL
Putting Extra Fun into Fitness

25 DO-GOOD DOGS

DO ALMOST ANYTHING
Service Animals Train
to Help People in Need

25

22

32 RISING ABOVE
ADVERSITY

How to Strengthen Your
Resilience Muscle

38 MARK ROSENFELDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S

Secrets for Successful Love Matches

42 CITY HOMESTEADING
Creating Sustainable Urban Living

ADVERTISING & SUBMISSIONS
HOW TO ADVERTISE
To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a
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editorial: Articles (5th of the month); News and Health
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CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS
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Deadline for calendar: the 10th of the month.
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your muse for a healthy YOU, a healthy PLANET
4

his month I will have a birthday. I never gave much
thought to birthdays, but for the past few weeks I’ve
been thinking about my life’s turning points. I have come to
the conclusion that my life is and has been so very interesting. I just love living. So, here is a collection of my random
reflective moments.
Growing up in Brooklyn in the 50s, I hung out in candy
stores, listened to juke boxes, ate 25 cent slices of pizza,
and gathered in packs of 25 or 30 friends on street corners.
Violence just happened, with or without warning. Everything was territorial. Streets marked
territories and nationalities. I never really fit, but I have to say, I wouldn’t trade my street
education for a masters from Harvard.
We moved to an isolated bungalow community in Breezy Point, Queens, NY. Barely 100
families lived there. I had no transportation, so I hitchhiked to high school every day, many
miles away. Today my parents would be arrested for allowing that; back then it was normal
and we thought nothing of it.
A turning point came when I walked away from college and joined the service. I was
17. I had never been out of Brooklyn, and then found myself in Texas. What a culture shock!
People didn’t understand what the hell I was saying—I was talking Brooklyn. And I didn’t
understand Texans talking Texas.
When I was shipped out to Taipei, Taiwan, I arrived as a kid in a man’s world. What I
learned in those two years shaped my life. I started to see the world, understand differences,
and know there is more than just Brooklyn. After my discharge, with nothing more that a
speck of knowledge about marriage, I married. Back then it was almost expected, and everyone encouraged you to find a secure job, get married, and have some children. By 23, I was
the father of two, and looking back, completely clueless.
Naturally life changed with divorce, which was inevitable. Chaos followed, and I spent
much time confused. I couldn’t figure out life, so I just wandered without purpose. When I
lost my parents, the world seemed empty. I was particularly affected by my dad’s passing. I felt
alone. The loss of the safety blanket of love and security of having him in my life left a giant
void. This was another turning point, which is still shaping my life today. Who we become
and where we are going is unknown, but the experiences and memories are ours to keep.
There were other stepping stones of change, people who entered and passed through my
life that made for interesting moments. Some good, some bad, and some really ugly (not the
people, but the situations I encountered).
Every life changing experience has been an adventure—being broke, having children,
moving, re-marrying, and now my present wife, Asta, who in so many ways has shown me
what a person with a pure spirit of love is really like.
Speaking of turning points, buying Natural Awakenings has been one of the greatest experiences of my life. So far. I’m not planning on going anywhere, but you know what they say, man
plans, God laughs. That’s why I believe today that every moment is a precious moment. A heart
attack taught me that many years ago. And I still wear my “life is good” shirt to celebrate.
Happy Valentine’s Day to everyone. I thank you for reading Natural Awakenings.

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news briefs

Creating Peace
with Meditation
Workshop

T

he benefits of meditation
are profound and numerous. Whether one is seeking
to reduce stress and anxiety, lower blood pressure and heart rate,
or improve concentration and well-being, a regular meditation
practice is powerfully transformative. With all the different styles
of meditation available, settling into a routine can be challenging.
Sometimes, students are deterred from meditating because they
fear they’re not “doing it right.” In an effort to make meditation
more accessible, Highland Yoga is offering a free Introduction to
Meditation Workshop on Saturday, February 24 from 12 to 1:30
p.m. Join Highland Yoga Co-owners Stephen and Carolyn for this
special event which will explore some different styles of meditation
and easy ways to make meditation a natural part of your daily life.
With the proper guidance and encouragement, it is possible to create a life of peace through the practice of meditation.
Highland Yoga is a community-oriented yoga studio whose
mission is to cultivate an environment that is earnest, uplifting,
knowledgeable and compassionate. We honor each individual’s
path and support their needs as we learn and practice together in
a space dedicated to transformation and personal growth.

Innovative Nutrition Course!
Join one of the fastest growing careers in our
country today!
• “Proper nutrition” is the key to a healthy body.
• Learn the benefits of “Alternative Healing
Methods”.
• Live a healthy lifestyle, using a holistic
approach to wellness.
• Learn about how Herbology, Homeopathy
and Essential Oils can enhance the quality
of your life.
• Understand the power of “Energy Healing”
using Bio-Feedback, Reiki, Vibrational
Brenda Woodruff, CNC
Energy and Kinesiology.
• We teach a “Positive” approach to healing. Attitude is everything.
•

“Knowledge is Power!” Use this knowledge to improve the quality
of your life and the lives of your loved ones, and teach others as well.
Now accepting deposits for the next session
starting March 2018
12 Class Series
Classes Meet every other Sunday from 10am.-3pm. for 6 months.
Certificate of Completion will be awarded to each student at Graduation.

assage therapy is
the ultimate luxurious treat. With the addition of in-home massage services, massage therapy has become even more convenient
and relaxing. Dara Winters of NJ Spa 2 U Mobile Spa Service
knows this well. “By eliminating travel, traffic and tension, people
can enjoy relaxation in their own environment,” says Winters. “It
allows my clients to experience the best amenities with respectful, professional, qualified therapists who come to the home and
then leave, allowing the client to keep those blissful vibes.”
Massage therapy enhances the function of joints and
muscles, improves circulation and body tone, relieves physical
and mental fatigue, reduces stress and increases flexibility and
range of motion. Massage therapy heals both the mind and body
with one simple therapy.
NJ Spa 2 U provides customized convenient service to your
front door. Specialties include: prenatal, postnatal, deep tissue,
shiatsu, reflexology, couples massage, yoga, reiki and more. You’ll
never drive to get a massage again.
For more information, contact Dara Winters at 256-744-6000 or
FineTuningU@Gmail.com. NJSpa2U.com. See ad on page 9.
February 2018

7

news briefs

Raise Your Vibe at Hawley Spring Event

P

ersonal and community transformation is being
offered through Raise the Vibe, an all-inclusive spiritual intensive weekend taking place March 9 through 11
at Woodloch Resort, in Hawley, Pennsylvania.
The all-inclusive event will be facilitated by Ataana,
author, energy and crystal healer, singer/songwriter and
intuitive. Workshops will include Prosperity Healing
Mantras, Transformation Through Sacred Inner Dialogue, Living in the Oneness, Onement Guided Meditation and Awakening to Your Higher Vibration.
Raise The Vibe events are sponsored by the Empowered Light Holistic Expo and
feature engaging workshops that focus on deeper understanding. Expo founder Sue Greenwald adds, “Raise the Vibe will be a profound spiritual transformation for the attendees. Energetic changes will start immediately and be lasting. Energetic blockages will be
cleared from each guest, allowing for deeper expansion. One of the most powerful ways
we have to create transformation is when we are together, in community.”
A two-night stay at the Woodloch Resort includes six healthy meals and access to
the resort’s activities; spa treatments and golf are additional. The resort fee is $420. A full
ticket for all spiritual workshops is $700.
For more information, call Deanna Hobson at
484-498-5726, email EmpoweredLightHolistics@
gmail.com or visit EmpoweredLight.com. The next
Empowered Light Holistic Expo will be held at
the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center, in Oaks,
on April 27 through 29.

Healing in a Toxic
Planet Seminar

T

his month,
the
Chambers
Center for
Well Being
proudly presents a seminar
focused on healing the body holistically.
On Wednesday, February 28 from 6 to 7
p.m., listen to Mary Jo Peav, RN, MSN,
APN, discuss a practical approach to
detoxifying environmental toxins. Mary
Jo will identify different sources of toxic
compounds that we encounter on a daily
basis and discuss the need to eliminate
them from our bodies to aide in healing.
She will provide ways to reduce exposure
to the toxins that we encounter and review
the liver’s role as a primary detoxification
site. A Q&A session will follow.
Location: Chambers Center for Well Being,
435 South Street, Suite 160, Morristown. For
more information, call 973-971-4890. To
register, visit ChamberCenterForWellBeing.
org/Learn/Professional-Calendar. See ad on
page 59.

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8

North Central NJ Edition

NaturalAwakeningsNJ.com

MorningStar Comprehensive
Optimal Health Program

D

o you find yourself running
out of steam during the day
or generally not feeling well? Do
you want to make better health
choices but don’t know where to
begin? At MorningStar Family
Health Center, Dr. Jean GoldenTevald and Dr. Eddie Fleming are committed to helping you
achieve optimal health. They help their patients address their
current concerns as well as prevent future health problems.
The doctors at MorningStar realize that lifestyle creates 95%
of health outcomes. They know that clients need a systematic,
comprehensive, multidisciplinary program to help them implement a healthy lifestyle. Thus, they created the “Foundations for
Optimal Health” program.
This 6-12 month program addresses the pillars of health: detoxification, nutrition, fitness, hormones and nervous system. It
includes specialized, functional testing, visits with the physician,
group classes, books, online learning and visits with and integrative nutritionist as well as health coaching. Developed with a
personalized approach, the results have been outstanding.
MorningStar Family Health Center also offers a live seminar
for those interested in this comprehensive approach to healthcare.
A video review of the seminar is available on their website.
Location: MorningStar Family Health Center, 54 Old Highway 22,
Clinton. 908-735-9344. MorningStarFHC.com. For more information about the seminar, call 908-528-8121. See ad on page 13.

Finding Meaning in Life Retreat

D

epending on your current stage in
life, you are either the caregiver or
care receiver, the worker or retired, the
child or the parent, the single person or
someone in a relationship. During each
stage, one may struggle to find balance
and meaning in life. Trouble can brew
if a person feels that they are not living
the life they had envisioned or are not
having the impact they had planned. On
Saturday, March 10 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
at Waterloo Village, join us in re-examining the beautiful canvas
we have been given and assessing the colors and contours of the
art that is your life. Through lecture, discussion, yoga, meditation
and self-discovering activities, participants can find meaning in
the mundane and fall in love with the real image of life. All are
welcomed.
A vegetarian breakfast and lunch are included. The retreat
costs $40. Proceeds go to a local mission and ministry.
Location: Waterloo Village, 525 Waterloo Road, Byram
(or Stanhope). For details, go to Sites.Google.com/View/
WaterlooVillageRetreat/Home.

A study of more than 50,000 people in the Czech
Republic by the Seventh-Day Adventist Loma Linda
University, in California, found that those that made
breakfast their largest meal of the day had lower body
mass index (BMI) levels. Lunch as the largest daily
meal showed the next best results. The researchers concluded that timing and frequency of
meals play a role in predicting weight loss
or gain. The two factors associated with
higher BMI were eating more than three
meals a day (snacks were counted as
extra meals) and making dinner the day’s
largest meal.

Moderate Exercise Guards
Against Depression
In Exercise and the Prevention of Depression, a study of
33,908 adults in Norway by the University of New South
Wales, researchers found that one hour of exercise a
week reduced depression in 12 percent of the subjects.
The purpose of the study was to address whether
exercise protects against new-onset depression and
anxiety and if so, the intensity and amount of exercise
required. They concluded that regular leisure-time
exercise of any intensity provides protection against
future depression, but not anxiety. Thus, increasing
the population of people exercising may provide
public mental health benefits and prevent a
substantial number of new cases of depression.
10

North Central NJ Edition

NaturalAwakeningsNJ.com

Chocolate
and Olive
Oil Help
Heart Health
Cardiologist Rossella Di
Stefano, with the University of Pisa, in Italy,
led a study of 26 people
and determined that
eating a combination of
dark chocolate and olive
oil improved cholesterol
levels and blood pressure
after 28 days. She says,
“Fruits and vegetables exert their protective effects
through plant polyphenols
found in cocoa, olive oil
and apples. We found that
eating small, daily portions of dark chocolate
with added natural polyphenols from extra-virgin
olive oil was associated
with an improved cardiovascular risk profile. Our
study suggests that extra
virgin olive oil might be a
good food additive to help
preserve our ‘repairing
cells’.”

iprachenko/Shutterstock.com

BIG BREAKFAST,

Research from the University of Texas at Arlington
reported in The FASEB
Journal, published by the
Federation of American
Societies for Experimental Biology, has found
that zinc supplements can
inhibit or slow the growth of
esophageal cancer cells. The research also found that
zinc deficiency is common among throat cancer patients.
Zinc-rich foods include spinach, flax seeds, beef, pumpkin seeds and seafood such as shrimp and oysters.

Syda Productions/Shutterstock.com

Zinc Inhibits
Throat Cancer

Best_photo_studio/Shutterstock.com

health briefs

As reported in Scientific Reports, two studies of
37 and 52 people at Michigan State University
have discovered that talking to ourselves in the
third person using statements like, “Why is John
upset?” instead of, “Why am I upset?” can help
improve our ability to control our emotions.
Everyone occasionally engages
in internal monologue, an inner voice that guides our
moment-to-moment
reflections. Now, scientists
believe that the language
used in the process influences actions differently. The premise is
that third-person selftalk leads us to think
about ourselves similarly to how we think
about others, which
provides the psychological distance needed to
facilitate self-control.

A study by the University of Bristol, England,
of 254,610 young people from Stockholm
showed that children born to mothers taking
antidepressants during pregnancy had more
than a 4 percent risk of autism, compared
to less than a 3 percent risk in children born
to mothers with psychiatric conditions not
on antidepressants. Depression is common in women of childbearing age, with 3
to 8 percent of pregnant European women
prescribed antidepressants. But with 95
percent of them bearing children without
autism, the risks and benefits must
be carefully weighed, say researchers.

MaxFXBillion Photos

THIRD-PERSON
SELF-TALK AIDS IN
EMOTIONAL CONTROL

Antidepressants in
Pregnancy Linked to Autism

Mindfulness Reduces
Alcohol Cravings
In a randomized, double-blind experiment published in the International Journal
of Neuropsychopharmacology, University
College London researchers found that
among 68 heavy drinkers, just 11 minutes of
recorded mindfulness training reduced drinking. Subjects were closely matched with an
active control group that was taught relaxation
techniques. Seven days later, the mindfulness
group on average drank 9.3 fewer units of alcohol, roughly equal to three pints of beer, while
the relaxation group showed no drop in alcohol
consumption.

February 2018

11

MaxFX/Shutterstock.com

health briefs

global briefs

Range Brutality

Renewable Payoff
Germany Undergoes
an Energy Renaissance

Last May, Germany’s renewable
energy mix of solar, wind, hydropower
and biomass generated so much
power for a few hours that customers
actually got paid for using electricity. The country’s renewable power
sources generate 88 percent of total
electricity demand, and growing wind
power assets alone are expected
to make the phenomenon a regular
occurrence. When this happens,
commercial producers either close
power stations to reduce the electricity
supply or pay consumers to take it
off the grid.

Beauty Full, Healthy You
Salon FiG is the first eco-friendly luxury salon, spa, and Natural Essentials
Shoppe offering a fume-free holistic beauty experience.
Our family of educated professionals devote their time
to creating a welcoming stress-free environment.
Call to schedule your
appointment today!

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12

North Central NJ Edition

NaturalAwakeningsNJ.com

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274 Spring Street • Station House Plaza
Newton, NJ

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As we went to press, the fate of 90,000 wild horses and burros depended on
Congressional action, as the U.S. Senate and House were hammering out differences in the delayed 2018 spending bill. The Senate version vowed to fund
“humane and viable options” to the animal euthanasia allowed in the House bill.
Last October, the National Wild Horse and Burro Advisory Board
recommended that the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) achieve its
on-range population goal of 26,715 wild horses and burros
while also phasing out the use of long-term holding facilities
within three years.
Killing tens of thousands of healthy animals would
“be a betrayal of millions of taxpayers that want wild
horses protected as intended in the 1971 Wild FreeRoaming Horses and Burros Act,” says
Neda DeMayo, president of Return to
Freedom Wild Horse Conservation. BLM has been
tasked by Congress with
the responsibility of protecting wild horses and
other wildlife.
The agency has
balked at using affordable fertility
control, despite ample evidence that
it’s a more than 90 percent safe and
effective means of population control,
critics charge. Instead, it spends 65
percent of its annual budget in capturing, removing and warehousing animals.

xujun /Shutterstock.com

Shooting Wild Horses and Burros

Auto Revolution

andrea lehmkuhl/Shutterstock.com

Industry Revs Up for Electric Car Future

China, the world’s largest car market, is planning to stop production and sales
of traditional energy vehicles in favor of electric vehicles (EV), and the decision
has sped up competitive development by U.S. automakers. General Motors
is promising to launch at least 20 new electric vehicles in the next six years.
“General Motors believes the future is all-electric,” says Mark Reuss, the
company’s head of product development.
The falling cost of lithium-ion batteries also brings a tipping point into view,
observers say. By 2025 it’s possible that
electric drivetrains will have no cost
disadvantage compared with internal combustion engines.
Technology is fast resetting the outlook for what cars can
do, how consumers use them and
how much an EV will cost. Tesla,
Ford and Japanese and European
companies are also responding
to what’s being called both “the
age of electricity”, and “the
age of personalized transportation”.

Monsanto, the company that makes the controversial weed killer Roundup, is setting farmer against
farmer and state against state with its newest
product, dicamba. Amid claims and counterclaims
over effectiveness and safety of crops and humans,
the debate is shedding new light on how new agricultural products are introduced, tested and
regulated. One major difference with dicamba
is the gaseous vaporization it uses to treat
crops, causing the poison to spread onto
neighboring plants via wind. Brad Williams, a Missouri farmer, says that
leaves on trees were “so deformed you couldn’t even really identify the
differences between them.”
The manufacturer claims that proper usage protocols are not being followed. Some farmers agree, while others report crop damage and
human health issues. One pivotal point of debate is which federal and state
agencies have jurisdiction and the power to set enforceable guidelines.
At stake are millions of acres that have already been sprayed, along
with the future of non-GMO farms inadvertently contaminated by
the dicamba sprayed on genetically modified crops that need the
poison to survive.

14

North Central NJ Edition

NaturalAwakeningsNJ.com

Britain May Charge Deposit to
Reduce Bottle Litter
Britain only recycled 57 percent of the
plastic bottles that were sold there in
2016, and is considering charging a deposit fee to reduce litter. Scotland is also
introducing a deposit return policy for
cans and bottles. Denmark recycles 90
percent and South Australia 80 percent
by using deposits as an incentive.
UK Environment Secretary Michael
Gove says that almost 8 million tons
of plastic are dumped into the
world’s oceans each year, with
up to 80 percent washing out to
sea from land. Gove is consulting with the industry to determine
the advantages and disadvantages of different types of reward
and return systems for plastic,
metal and glass drinks containers. Britain’s decision to charge
a deposit for each plastic bag in
2015 has slashed usage.

Yes to Yarn

Popular Needlework Crafts Go Green

Whether for function, decoration or personal gifting, the
skillful hobbies of yarn arts such as knitting, quilting,
weaving, stitching, sewing, crocheting and macramé are
going strong. The difference these days is that doing it
eco-responsibly is enhancing the process.
“More people are making and hand-dyeing their own
yarn,” says blogger Ann Budd (AnnBuddKnits.com), of
Boulder, Colorado, former editor of Interweave Knits magazine and author of Knitting Green. “The results are beautiful with different color combinations, and even striping.”
Also, more yarn is American-sourced. “Shearing and
dyeing are done here to cut down on the overall carbon
footprint,” explains Budd, who conducts workshops for
shops and clubs, plus two annual learning retreats. This
year’s are in Savannah, Georgia, from April 26 to 29, and
in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, from September 20 to 23.
GreenAmerica.org suggests Green Mountain Spinnery (Spinnery.com) as a U.S. source of certified organic,
natural fiber yarns processed without toxic oils, chemicals or dyes; Ecobutterfly Organics (Ecobutterfly.com),
for vegan-friendly, fair trade and botanically dyed

organic cotton yarns and fiber,
recycled glass beads, buttons and kits; and Organic
Cotton Plus (OrganicCottonPlus.com), offering
certified organic woven
and knit fabrics, hemp
and hemp-blended fabrics, threads, ribbons and
vegetable-based dyes.
Interweave (Interweave.com), a craft magazine publisher, provides
video and online education. Learn how to avoid potential
hand and arm pain from repetitive motions with the new
book Knitting Comfortably: The Ergonomics
of Handknitting (ErgoIKnit.com) by San Francisco physical
therapist and needlework teacher Carson Demers.
For many needlework fans, charitable volunteering keeps their fingers flying. Members of the nonprofit
Mittens for Detroit (MittensForDetroit.org) make mittens,
gloves, hats and lapghans for children and adults in need.
Donna Davis, of Roswell, New Mexico, has knitted hats
for African newborns, wool items for Eastern European
orphans and scarves for American artists. Learn more at
KnittingForCharity.org.

February 2018

15

Coprid/Shutterstock.com

eco tip

Sleep Peacefully by Eliminating
Allergens in the Bedroom

by Brielle Bleeker

C

hemicals are everywhere and can be difficult to avoid, but when it comes to
creating a toxic-free environment in the home, the bedroom is a great place
to start. Surprisingly, there are far too many toxins taking up space in what
should be the peaceful and relaxing haven of the home. A simple way to start is to
replace pillows, pillowcases and sheets with those made of organic material. It is a
common misconception that cotton is a better choice than synthetic materials; cotton farming uses more pesticides and insecticides than any other area of agricultural
production. Organic cotton, hemp and wool are better options to search for when
looking to purchase new bedding.
Trying to overhaul the closet with an entirely new wardrobe made of organic
materials can present quite a challenge. An easier option is to avoid buying clothing
that is wrinkle-free and stain-resistant. Synthetic fabrics contain perfluorochemicals
(PFC) which are absorbed through the skin and can be harsh to breathe in. It is also

important to keep the inside of the home
shoe-less. Leaving shoes at the door can
help keep dirt, pesticides, animal droppings and chemicals out of the home
and bedroom.
When it comes to decorating the
bedroom, choose non-volatile organic
compound (VOC) paint. VOC can
cause breathing issues and headaches
and contributes to air pollution. Wallto-wall carpeting or area rugs can be a
health hazard, too. Dust and dirt can
settle deep in the rug fibers and harbor
allergens. Natural wood floors or tile are
a better option with less risk of causing
irritation and affecting allergies.
Another area of the bedroom where
dust and other allergens can be found
is curtains and lampshades that collect
dust and dirt and can be a hidden source
responsible for breathing issues and skin
irritation. While wooden blinds need to
be dusted frequently, they do not hold
the same amount of allergens as those
made of fabric.
Furniture made of particle board
should be removed from the home. It
contains formaldehyde, a known carcinogen that has been directly linked to
several types of cancer and is known to
cause nausea, headaches and allergies.
Perhaps the largest change to create
a healthier environment in the bedroom
Cindy Nolte
...Find your inner peace.

is purchasing a new organic mattress.
According to celebrity naturopath Dr.
Josh Axe, “Getting sufficient, high-quality
sleep is one of the best things you can do
for your health. Sleep allows the body to
reset after a long day, balances hormones
and helps control stress.” While this can
also be the most costly step in creating a
healthier environment in the bedroom, it
can also be the most beneficial.
Conventional mattresses are
manufactured with harmful ingredients
including flame retardants, boric acid,
formaldehyde, synthetic latex and more.
Dave Spittal, owner of Healthy Choice
Organic Mattress, says, “A healthy mattress is essential to your health and wellbeing. You spend one-third of your life
on your mattress.” When sleeping on a
traditional mattress, toxins and chemicals are consistently being absorbed
through the skin and taken in through
breathing night after night. In addition,
these mattresses aren’t as comfortable
as e would think, potentially leading to
a lot of tossing and turning and restless
sleeping. Not only can standard mattresses be harmful to our health, but
they can also have a negative impact
on the environment. Most mattresses
are not biodegradable because of the
chemicals they contain, and the addition
of these mattresses to landfills every year
increases pollution.
Organic mattresses offer a healthier
option to sleeping and maintaining a
healthy bedroom. Free of chemicals
and manufactured using high-quality,
natural materials, they benefit not only
ourhealth, but the environment, too.
Longer-lasting than standard mattresses,
organic mattresses offer a long-term
solution to creating a healthier sleep
environment.
Healthy Choice Organic Mattress is located at 361 Springfield Ave, in Summit.
For more information, call 908-263-7400
or visit hcmattress.com. See ad, page 50.
Brielle Bleeker is a writer for Natural
Awakenings magazine.

Before & After
10 Sessions of
Rolfing Structural
Integration

Change Your Posture
. . .Change Your Life

Dr. Oz
gets
Rolfed on
Oprah!
Structural Integration

Used by NJ Ballet, Rutgers Football Team, & NJ Symphony
Structural Integration (also known as Rolfing)

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February 2018

17

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healing ways

MEDITATION
THAT WORKS

Tips for Finding the Right Practice

M

by April Thompson

ore Americans than ever
before are seeking the benefits
of meditation, which notably
improves mental, physical and spiritual
health. Choosing from its many styles and
traditions can be daunting for a new meditator, as is figuring out how to incorporate
such a practice into a busy life.

Universal Appeal
“Meditation is for people of all spiritual
backgrounds. As a tool to develop awareness, it can enhance what you already
believe and practice,” assures Diana Lang,
the Los Angeles author of Opening to
Meditation: A Gentle, Guided Approach
and a spiritual counselor who has taught
meditation for 37 years.
For Jackie Trottmann, a Christian author from St. Louis, Missouri, there is no
contradiction between a meditation practice and her faith; rather, they complement
one another. For her, “Prayer is like talking
to God, whereas meditation is listening to
God. Before I came to meditation, I had
been doing all the talking.”
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She came to meditation during a trying period working in sales and marketing.
“When a friend gave me a meditation CD,
I popped it in after a stressful conference
call and felt instantly calmed. Ten years
later, meditation has gone beyond quieting
the mind; it’s sunk into my heart and spirit,”
says Trottmann, who went on to publish her
own CDs at GuidedChristianMeditation.com.
“I came to meditation tired of habitual suffering and stress, and wanting to
be happier,” says Bill Scheinman, a coach
in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction
(MBSR), which he refers to as “mindfulness practice without the Buddhist jargon.”
The Oakland, California, instructor has
taught mindfulness in settings ranging
from corporations to prisons, drawing
from a range of meditative disciplines and
23 years of intensive practice.

Begin Modestly
“Millions are seeking more mindfulness
through meditation, but don’t know how
to go about it,” says Sean Fargo, a Berkeley,
California, meditation instructor and for-

mer Buddhist monk. “The key is to take baby steps, like going to
the gym for the first time. Start by practicing a few minutes a day;
just pay attention to something such as the sensations of breathing,
without judgment.”
“Having taught meditation to tens of thousands of people,
I would say the most common issue is that beginning meditators don’t think they’re doing it right. It’s important not to judge
yourself or have loaded expectations about the experience,” notes
Lang. She suggests starting wherever we are right now, adding,
“Whatever book, class or teacher you first stumble upon is a
clue.” But that doesn’t call for rigidly adhering to a particular type
of meditation forever.

Assess Benefits
“Shop around and try different things, but at some point, you
will begin to discover what works for you,” advises Scheinman.
In trying to decide which meditation practice is right
for us, “Go with what feels juicy,” says Fargo, who founded
MindfulnessExercises.com, offering 1,500 free mindfulness
meditations, worksheets and talks. “You’re more likely to do
what feels alive and enlivening.”
The act of meditating can be uncomfortable, but the
challenges are part of its power. Scheinman remarks. “If you
establish a daily practice, eventually, you will become more
clear-headed, kinder and happier. That’s how you know your
practice is working—not how you feel during meditation itself.”
Consistency is key. It’s not effective to only meditate when you
feel good, he says.

Overview of Options
Mindfulness practices go by many names, from vipassana to
MBSR, and can be done sitting or walking, but all are focused
on cultivating moment-to-moment awareness. “Mindfulness is
about being aware: deliberately paying attention to body sensations, thoughts and emotions. Focused attention is on the body,
heart and mind,” explains Scheinman.
Guided visualization differs from most forms of meditation
in that the meditator is intentionally creating a mental image,
typically one of a peaceful, beautiful place. Typically, the goal of a
guided visualization is deep relaxation and stress reduction.
Mantra meditations involve continuous repetition of
a word, phrase or sound, drawing spiritual power from the
sound’s vibration, as well as its meaning. Many mantras are
uttered in a tradition’s native language, such as shanti, meaning
peace in Sanskrit. Teachers like Lang prefer to use mantras in
English that meditators can more easily grasp, such as, “Love is
the way.”
Breathing meditation. Meditation experts say our everpresent breath is a sound foundation for a meditation practice,
as well as an easy place to start. “Tapping into the power of our
breath is vital; it cleanses our system,” says Trottmann.
Connect with April Thompson, in Washington, D.C., at
AprilWrites.com.

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19

Step into Living
Courageously
By Vladimir Gashinsky

Y

ou have probably heard it too: a friend or family member who tells you to “have
courage,” “face reality,” “look the situation straight in the eye,” and other advice
like that. And, like millions of other people, you have probably had a real hard
time putting that advice into practice. Let’s face it, when life becomes difficult, it’s really
hard to take that first step of finding the courage to do something about it.
Why is that? Why do we feel like running when life’s situations are becoming too hard
to deal with? What makes us shy away from taking chances or grabbing opportunities? It’s
fear. It’s there and it’s real. Fear makes us pull in our flippers because “we may fail” or think
that “it won’t work out anyway.”

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Fear is not always a bad thing—it
keeps us alive, warning us of dangers. But
fear can also become a virus that eats away
at our self-determinism, our goals and
dreams—even our will to live. That type
of fear is toxic for it eventually can defeat
you. Unfortunately, trying to “control your
fears” doesn’t work and only fuels anxiety.
So, what do we do?

1. Identify Your Own Fears. Recog-

nition is the most fundamental step to
self-betterment. If you know what you are
afraid of, you can do something about it.
And that’s the start of living courageously.

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us to predict a future that doesn’t exist. This
is what keeps us stuck. To break the grip of
fear, focus on what is “now”—the present
moment. Experiencing the “now” actually prepares us for the future. This is the
essence of mindfulness, which is “paying attention in a particular way; on purpose, in
the present moment, and nonjudgmentally.”

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5. Meditation helps increase your mind-

fulness and sense of the present. There are
many styles of meditation. Find the style that
resonates the most with you and gives you
the most benefits.
Practice is the key. The more you
practice these steps, the more life you will
feel as a new reality unfolds for you. Stay
focused, and live the life you were born to
live—courageously.
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February 2018

21

Be
On
the
Ball
Putting Extra Fun into Fitness
by Marlaina Donato

T

heir playful appearance as a beach ball look-alike makes exercise balls welcome
props in home workouts, gyms and yoga studios. “They’re a fun training tool for
every age, from children to maturing Baby Boomers,” says Dennis Fuchs, CEO of
TheraGear, in Sumas, Washington. “Exercise balls are affordable and offer many benefits,
from enhanced mobility to reduced risk of injury and increased athletic performance.”
Originally developed by Italian plastic manufacturer Aquilino Cosani in 1963 as a toy
called the Gymnastik and then used by British and Swiss physical therapists to help orthopedic patients, the ball has since come a long way to serve fitness needs. Also known as Swiss,
stability, balance, physio- and Pilates balls, this colorful piece of equipment can range in size
from 14 to 34 inches to be appropriate for a user’s height (Tinyurl.com/RightSizeExerciseBall).

Core Strength Without Strain

PhotoMediaGroup/Shutterstock.com

Stability balls are recommended by fitness trainers and chiropractors for their ability to build
core strength and increase flexibility of pelvic muscles without putting unnecessary strain on
the back. “The core is a series of muscles used in almost all functional movement; tailored

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exercises focus both on abdominal and back
strength and pelvic and hip stability,” explains Linnea Pond, an exercise instructor at
the Pocono Family YMCA, in Stroudsburg,
Pennsylvania.
Using an exercise ball also promotes
full body conditioning. “Swiss ball training
connects the brain with stabilizer muscles,
improving gross motor skills and upper
body strength, as well,” Fuchs elaborates.
“These versatile training balls help equip
an individual to handle the functional
demands of sports and everyday life.”

Recovery from Injury and
Illness
Exercise balls are used in occupational therapy for stroke patients and others recovering from injury. “A stroke deadens part of
the brain, and to regain movement in an
affected arm or leg, an unaffected part of
the brain must take over the lost function.
The goal of the therapist is to establish new
neural pathways through repetition and
visual reinforcement. We have patients do
simple exercises with the ball hundreds
of times so these pathways start to form,”
explains Bob Schrupp, a physical therapist and founder of Therapy Network, in
Winona, Minnesota.
One goal for physical and occupational
therapists is to help clients
perform rehabilitation exercises that also motivate
them to continue exercising. While the ball is an
excellent tool in clinical
settings, Schrupp cautions, “After a stroke,
or if you’re older or
in poor health, it’s
always best to check

PhotoMediaGroup/Shutterstock.com

wavebreakmedia/Shutterstock.com

fit body

with your doctor or physical therapist to
determine if stability ball exercises are appropriate.”

Pregnant Women and Senior
Fitness
Balance balls, when used properly, can
offer a safe way for pregnant women,
children and seniors to stay fit. Exercising with a ball can help older individuals
increase flexibility, especially in the hips,
with cardiac strengthening as a bonus.
Pregnant women can safely increase
and maintain abdominal strength as the
baby grows, and in doing so, care for
muscles that will help them through labor.
“Pregnancy can throw a woman off balance, and a growing baby puts pressure
on internal organs. Pressing the back on a
stability ball against a wall offers support
for squats. Sitting on a ball helps maintain
good posture and pelvic mobility, and
reduces low back pain,” explains Pond.
Incorporating the ball into yoga or Pilates routines prompts different muscles into
action because it calls on the body’s learned
ability to sense and respond to movement,
termed proprioception. Pond says, “Proprioception is challenged just from sitting
on the ball; there are immediate physical
adjustments made to maintain posture and
stability. In yoga, the ball is another tool to
increase flexibility and balance.”

School and Workplace
Exercise balls are increasingly replacing traditional chairs in classrooms and
offices, and teachers are reporting better
grades and attention span as a result, while
workers appreciate better-toned muscles
and enhanced balance. Maintaining good
posture by sitting on the ball also increases
blood circulation throughout the body,
including the brain.
Regarding the equipment’s eyecatching appearance, Schrupp sees a
helpful bonus: “The ball is a big, colorful
reminder to perform your exercises.”

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February 2018

23

Autoimmune Symposium
By Lana Dykes

W

hen traditional
western
medicine failed to heal
her daughter Courtney’s deadly autoimmune hepatitis, Denise
Otten took matters into her own hands. When she saw the whites
of her daughter’s eyes yellowing, the thought that a seven-yearold could have hepatitis didn’t cross her mind. The next five years
were an odyssey of drug therapies at a renowned pediatric hospital in New York City. After many doctors prescribed ineffective
medicines, Denise became fed up. Desperate to help Courtney,
she began to pursue holistic treatments. Weeks of research led to
different doctors with antioxidant protocols which, when combined, led to Courtney’s full remission in only 3 months.
Denise believes that the vitamins and nutraceuticals helped
change Courtney’s cellular structure, which in turn balanced
her immune system and helped her heal. Wanting to share her
holistic knowhow with the world, Denise wrote the book, “Curing Courtney: Doctors Couldn’t Save Her…So Her Mother Did.”
After struggling with Courtney’s life-threatening experience, she

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decided to become a Holistic Health Counselor and now helps
many people heal their autoimmune disorders.
Empowered with a strong vision of her own, Denise asked
Deb Peterson, Founder and CEO of the Wellness Gala, to collaborate with her. Together, they have created the rare opportunity to
learn about and experience holistic healing remedies first-hand.
On Sunday, March 11 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., join Denise and
many other speakers for a day of holistic healing remedies that can
benefit the immune system. Participants will learn about general
health and wellness through mini-sessions with experts in the
fields of massage, aromatherapy, nutrition and more. The keynote
speakers are Dr. Burt. Berkson, MD, PhD, who will be speaking
about Alpha Lipoic, and Mas Sajady, who is gifted with the amazing ability to open any area of your life. Additionally, there will be
two guest speakers, Dr. Lorraine Maita and Christopher Stepien,
DC. Enjoy the speakers, shop with unique vendors, listen to live
music and enjoy refreshments. A cash bar is also available. The cost
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Location: Knoll Country Club East, 990 Greenbank Road, Parsippany. For tickets and information, call 973-713-6811 or visit
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and page 26.

S

ervice dogs help an aging population
live full lives in spite of limitations, no
matter the size, age or breed of dog.
Plus, hundreds of thousands of canines make
living with disabilities both possible and
more pleasant.

natural pet

Glynnis Jones/Shutterstock.com

The Rules

Do-Good Dogs
Do Almost Anything

Service Animals Train to Help People in Need

“Service dogs don’t eat on duty, and should
be on the floor, not put in a handbag or
shopping cart,” advises Maggie Sims, project
manager for the Rocky Mountain Americans
with Disabilities Act Center, in Colorado
Springs. “If the dog disrupts business, the person can be asked to remove the animal and
then return. Emotional-support dogs are not
provided for by the disabilities act, because
the dog does not perform a specific task.
“We get calls from people concerned
about fake service dogs when owners try to
bring them into places where pets generally
aren’t allowed. Usually, they’re the ones that
behave badly,” Sims says. Service animals are
not required to wear a special vest or have
documentation.

by Sandra Murphy

Sink Into “Ahhhhhhh!”
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Benefits of Floating

A motorcycle accident left Matthew Smith
dependent on using a wheelchair or crutches.
An administrator at Comcast Cable, in Baltimore, Maryland, Smith relies on his pit bull,
Jericho, to fetch dropped items, open doors
and help him maintain balance. “Gravity is
my specialty,” he jokes. “If I fall, he braces me
so I can get up. Moving about stresses my
shoulders, so Jericho pulls the wheelchair on
days when I’m in pain.”
Although working service dogs should
not be petted or approached, Smith tells
Jericho, “Go say ‘Hi,’” if someone asks to
approach him. “Pit bulls have an undeserved
bad reputation, so I’ll take a minute to let
people meet him to change that perception.
When Jericho is the subject of conversation,
it also takes the spotlight off of me,” he says.
Jericho was trained by Apryl Lea, a
certified assistance dog trainer for the Animal
Farm Foundation’s Assistance Dog Program,
in Kingston, New York. She explains, “The
pit bulls I train are from shelters, and must be
good with people and other animals and be
comfortable in social settings that match the
person’s lifestyle.”

“When a counter is too high, a service dog
can pass money to the cashier. Dogs will pull
a rope to open a heavy door. In the event of
seizures or fainting, our dogs react based on
location; at home, they find another family
member, but in public, will stay with their
person,” Lea says.
The muscles of a patient with
Parkinson’s disease may freeze while walking. Dogs brace against a resulting fall
or touch the person to help unfreeze the
muscles. Tethered to an autistic child, the
dog provides distraction from repetitive
behaviors like flapping hands or crying,
while keeping the child in a safe area. Some
dogs are trained to track the child, as well,
in case of escape. Likewise, dogs can give
Alzheimer’s disease patients a bit of freedom
without getting lost.

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North Central NJ Edition

Sounding Alerts
Hearing dogs alert their hearing-impaired
person to the sound of a doorbell or ringing
phone. In the car, they’ll nudge the driver
with a paw if they hear a siren.

NaturalAwakeningsNJ.com

Riley the Chihuahua’s job is caring for
Jennifer Wise, an aromatherapist and owner
of Enchanted Essence, in Toledo, Ohio.
Wise has a neurological disease that affects
her legs and makes her prone to falls. “Riley’s trained to bark for help if I am unable
to get up,” she explains. “If barking fails,
he’ll grab someone’s pant leg or shoelaces
and pull in my direction. He’s small, but
determined.”
Michelle Renard, a stay-at-home mom
in Woodstock, Georgia, relies on Mossy, a
goldendoodle trained by Canine Assistants,
in nearby Alpharetta, to detect high- and
low-blood sugar levels. “She’s never wrong,”
says Renard.

Comfort and Joy
Linda Blick, president and co-founder of Tails
of Hope Foundation, in Orange County, New
York, observes, “A veteran with post-traumatic
stress disorder may not show outward symptoms, but have anxiety. Dogs are trained to turn
on the lights, lick their person’s face or apply reassuring pressure by lying across their person’s
chest to bring them out of night tremors.

“One of our veterans was so uncomfortable in public, it was difficult for him
to even speak to the veterinarian about his
dog’s torn knee ligament,” Blick explains.
“For the sake of the dog, he managed to
discuss care, a big step for him.”
As Sims states, “True service dogs literally give people with disabilities their lives
back.”
Connect with freelance writer Sandra Murphy at
StLouisFreelanceWriter@mindspring.com.

Service Dog
Resources

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ourage, as defined by MerriamWebster, is the mental or moral
strength to venture, persevere, and
withstand danger, fear, or difficulty. Anxiety, on the other hand, is the antithesis of
courage. It is synonymous with fear, worry,
apprehension, and angst, and its prevalence in our youth can now be described
as an epidemic. Anxiety disorders have
become the most common psychiatric
disorders diagnosed in childhood and
adolescence, and are the number one reason college students seek counseling.

Why is this happening?
Several recent studies are pointing to
what is referred to as “helicopter parenting”, an overprotective, over-involved style
of parenting that, while well-intentioned,
is undermining the very magic of child-

hood. If children are not allowed to take
risks and explore the boundaries of danger
and uncertainty, they may very well be
robbed of the self-confidence, creativity,
and courage that were once a normal part
of growing up.
“The strongest predictor of anxiety
at age nine was the child’s anxiety levels at
age four,” states Professor Jennifer Hudson of Macquarie University’s Centre for
Emotional Health. “Our study found that
children who show signs of anxiety and
who are inhibited (such as being unwilling
to talk or reluctant to explore new situations) as preschoolers are more likely to
have mothers who help too much.”
Try to remember a moment in your
own childhood when you took a risk:
reached for a branch that you might not
have been able to grab, walked to a friend’s

house just beyond your usual geographic
comfort zone or finally mustered up the
courage to tackle the rope swing from the
tippy top. Those are the kind of moments
that shape consciousness and resilience.
If you found yourself nodding at the
above description there is a good chance
that you grew up in the 70’s or earlier. A
time before a playground injury transformed our definition of a “safe playground” and before the devastating abduction of Etan Patz, both of which dramatically shifted the conscience of parenthood.
As it turns out, playgrounds are not any
safer than they were in 1971, and abduction is still virtually nonexistent, regardless
of what the milk cartons told us back then.
The truth is that life is risky business, and
we can either embrace it, or be afraid. And
what we teach and model for our children
influences their perception in far more
subtle ways than we imagine.
Ellen Sandseter, a professor of earlychildhood education at Queen Maud
University College in Trondheim, began
observing and interviewing children on
playgrounds in Norway. In 2011, she
published her results in a paper called
“Children’s Risky Play from an Evolutionary Perspective: The Anti-Phobic Effects
of Thrilling Experiences.” Children, she
concluded, have a sensory need to taste
danger and excitement; this doesn’t mean
that what they do has to actually be dangerous, only that they feel they are taking a
great risk. That scares them, but then they
overcome the fear.
“When they are left alone and can
take full responsibility for their actions,
and the consequences of their decisions,

it’s a thrilling experience,” states Sandseter.
The evidence is clear. Children are spending less time outdoors playing and they are
suffering because of it. The resulting decrease
in their physical activity, social skills, risk management skills, resilience and self-confidence
makes them vulnerable to anxiety disorders.
Today’s children face incalculable challenges and their anxiety can stem from multiple sources. Decades of antibiotic overuse have
compromised their bodies’ ability to balance
their neurotransmitters, the feel good chemicals that balance our emotions. Social media
has given birth to emotions like “FOMO”, the
fear of missing out. Screens in every room offer
a dopamine fix that is becoming an addiction
and rapidly dissolving the communities, particularly on the family level, that have always
provided our deepest nourishment. Every aspect of a child’s
interaction with their environment be it microbial or social, must
be considered in order to raise happy, healthy children.
By engaging in risky play, children are effectively subjecting
themselves to a form of exposure therapy, in which they force
themselves to do the thing they’re afraid of in order to overcome
their fear. So, let your kids find their way. Let them unplug. Let
them fall and get back up. Let them take a chance every once in a

while, get hurt even, as those experiences will build character and
decrease their chance of developing anxiety.
Dr. Jason Frigerio, N.D., L.Ac., is a naturopathic doctor and
certified acupuncturist in the state of New Jersey. Additionally, he
is a practitioner and instructor of Qi Gong and meditation. His
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At one time or another, an estimated 70 percent of people experience
a life-altering traumatic event, and most grow stronger from surviving
it, according to decades of research by leading institutions like
Harvard and Yale universities and the University of Pennsylvania.
We can prepare now for life’s inevitable hurdles and setbacks
by developing the skills and tools of resilience.

I

“

t’s an incredibly hopeful message: We can go through the
most terrible things imaginable and still get through to a
better place,” says David B. Feldman, associate professor
of counseling psychology at California’s Santa Clara University
and co-author with Lee Daniel Kravetz of Supersurvivors: The
Surprising Link Between Suffering and Success.
Such researchers have found that, like elastic stretched beyond its normal limits, people often don’t just bounce back to
their old form, but stretch and expand in new ways. The
pair conducted in-depth case studies of survivors of
extreme traumatic experiences that went on to do
bold things. Just one case in point: After losing
a leg in a car accident, college basketball
player Casey Pieretti reinvented himself
as a successful Hollywood stuntman.
According to many studies, 60
to 80 percent of people grow in some
way from personal trauma, known as
“post-traumatic growth”, according
to Feldman. “It can be as simple as
appreciating each day more. It can
mean deepening relationships. It may
result in a renewed sense of spirituality.
Or, it might take one’s life in a dramatically different direction,” he says.
Ila Eckhoff, a financial executive in New
York City, has experienced more than her share of
challenges: developing cerebral palsy as a toddler, endur32

North Central NJ Edition

NaturalAwakeningsNJ.com

ing 12 childhood surgeries,
losing her mother at age 11
and four years ago, her husband. “All of the struggles and
losses brought me here, now,”
says Eckhoff. “Nobody ever said
life was easy. We have greater
appreciation for the things that
we had to struggle to achieve.”
Choosing self-directedness
instead of self-pity in the face
of challenges differentiates
those that thrive from those
that merely survive, observes
Catherine Morisset, a life coach
from Ottawa, Canada, who
specializes in resilience. “It’s
taking responsibility for life and
managing the way you want to
live it. We all have choices, even
in the face of difficulty,” she says.

Obstacles, and Defeat Anxiety. He attests
School of Medicine who focuses on postthat having a growth mindset is vital, fotraumatic stress disorder and resilience.
cusing on strengths without disregarding
areas needing improvement.
Make Caring Connections
Maintaining a balanced outlook that’s Social networks are critical in the face of
realistic, yet positive, enables individuals
challenges, resilience experts agree. “When
to move on from trauma. For supersurwe are wronged or feel unsafe, it’s natural to
vivors, being pragmatic serves them far
withdraw when we should do the opposite,”
better than a false sense of optimism
says Feldman. “It’s also not the number of
about bad situations,
friends you have, or even how
Feldman found, saying,
much time you spend with
Parents do a
“They grieved losses,
disservice to their them, that matters. All you
but thought realistically
need is at least one person
kids when they
about what to do next.”
you can count on.”
try
to
remove
“Optimism in the
“We are built to be conadversity from their nected with others. It has a
best sense is focusing
on the positive without
significant impact in regulatlives. When little
denying the negative,
ing stress,” says Southwick, a
things go wrong,
while focusing on what’s
co-author of Resilience: The
rather than rush to Science of Mastering Life’s
in your control,” notes
fix it, let the kids
Hensch.
Greatest Challenges, from
Martin Seligman,
figure out a solution. West Haven, Connecticut.
known as the “father of
They’ll realize it’s not Over the past two decades,
positive psychology”,
Southwick and his colleagues
the end of the world. have studied three groups
found that when people
take setbacks personally,
that have come through
~Doug Hensch
viewing them as perharrowing events: being Vietmanent, pervasive and
nam War prisoners, Special
personal, they develop a sense of learned
Forces instructors and civilians. They found
helplessness that inhibits growth and happeople that rebounded strongly often shared
piness. “It’s important not to ‘catastrophize’
common attributes, including embracing a
or generalize a failure and extend it to other spiritual outlook and social network.
areas of life,” says Dr. Steven M. Southwick,
In 2013, Damon Redd, of Boulder,
a professor of psychiatry at Yale University
Colorado, awoke to a severe flooding

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OptionB.org provides a supportive space
online for survivors of trauma and
adversity to share stories, connect with
others and get help from experts.
LearningConnection.Stanford.edu/
Resilience-Project normalizes setbacks
and failures as part and parcel of
professional and personal growth, and
provides Stanford University students
and faculty a platform to swap stories
and coping strategies.
Resilience.Education.UTexas.edu
conveys an interactive e-learning platform
developed by the University of Texas at
Austin to foster a better understanding of
resilience and develop related skills.

Films and Books

Charged: The Eduardo Garcia Story
documents the journey of chef and
outdoorsman Eduardo Garcia, whose life
changed irrevocably when he was jolted
with 2,400 volts of electricity while hiking in Montana. Garcia lost his hand, ribs
and muscle mass, but survived the injury
with the help of his former partner, and
became an athlete and speaker for the
Challenged Athletes Foundation.
Unbroken depicts the life of Olympian and war hero Louis Zamperini,
who survived 47 days on a raft after a
near-fatal plane crash in World War
II, only to be captured by the Japanese
Navy and sent to a prisoner-of-war
camp. The film is based on the nonfiction book of the same name by Laura
Hillenbrand, herself the survivor of a
disabling chronic illness.
The 33 tells the true tale of 33 miners trapped inside a mine in San Jose,
Chile, for more than two months, the
longest such entrapment in history. All
were rescued alive.
Wild is based on Cheryl Strayed’s
memoir of her solo hike of 1,000-plus
miles on the Pacific Crest Trail without
any training, following the loss of her
mother and marriage.
February 2018

33

event, with his home and business buried
under five feet of mud and water that
nearly wiped out his clothing business,
Kind Design, overnight. “It was the hardest thing I’ve ever gone through, to lose
everything I had built. It also gave me a
new perspective on what’s important. It
made me aware that you can replace physical things, but you can’t replace memories.
My mind was blown away by the support I
received.”
Redd ended up paying forward the
kindness. “We cleaned and repaired 1,500
pairs of gloves in our inventory that
were damaged that day, and are donating
them to search-and-rescue teams and ski
patrols. The more good you do, the more
good other people will do,” Redd professes.
Altruism and owning a moral code is
another common characteristic of resilient
individuals, according to Southwick. Having
a purpose is a huge indicator of whether a
person will rise to the occasion. “You can endure almost anything if you have a mission,
or believe what you are doing has meaning.
It gives you great strength,” he says.

In 2016, Bobbi Huffman lost her high
school sweetheart and husband to suicide
a few days before Valentine’s Day. As she
began to process the tragedy, she saw two
choices ahead: “Drop into a deep depression and give up or focus on our deep
love for one another, get into therapy, and
make a difference by inspiring, encouraging and helping others,” says Huffman.
She chose the latter, asking for professional help and signing up for the 16-mile
Overnight Walk for Suicide Prevention,
in New York City. “Getting into the best
shape of my life at age 50 became my
passion. As I walked through the night, I
reflected on our beautiful memories as a
couple. It was an amazing, healing experience,” reflects Huffman.
Forgiveness—whether for others or ourself—is another key to help us move forward,
reports Feldman. “Often, people can get stuck
in blame, but resentment keeps people shackled to the past. If and when a person is ready
to forgive, widespread research indicates that
it can lead to better health outcomes.”

Strengthening Our
Resilience Muscle
Experts point out that there isn’t any one
perfect formula or single must-have trait
for building resilience, and none we can’t
develop. Learning a skill like mindfulness
is an easy place to start.
“Resilient people don’t try to avoid
stress, but learn how to manage and
master it,” says Southwick. “Mindfulness
meditation requires practice, but through
it, you can learn to regulate emotions and
relax the nervous system.”
Eckhoff practices mindfulness several
times a day with a one-minute gratitude
meditation. “I have five things I am most
grateful for. I close my eyes, take a deep
breath and say them. It brings me focus,
reduces stress and reminds me of how
lucky I am,” she says.
Morisset suggests making incremental
changes to strengthen our resilience muscles.
“Success builds success and failure builds
failure, so do something you know you can
accomplish and build on that,” she counsels.

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Writing can also be a good coping
tool, according to Hensch. “Just write
about your emotions. It’s amazing how
much you can learn about yourself and
how calming it can be.”
Good times are the best times to
begin “resilience training” notes Hensch.
“I sought out a therapist once I had turned
the corner after my divorce and was dating
someone and my business was taking off.
It was precisely because I knew something
else would likely happen, and I wanted to
be better prepared for it,” he recalls.
Applying positive self-talk when
something blindsides us helps, as does
not expecting to handle things perfectly.
“There’s nothing wrong with just staying
afloat when you’re in the middle of trauma
or adversity. One key to happiness in life is
just managing expectations. It’s okay to be
anxious, sad and worried at times—in fact,
it’s healthy,” says Hensch.
Hardships are just that: hard. However, with time and experience, resilient
individuals come to trust their ability to
get through them, large and small. “Resiliency is not about how you bounce back
from a single traumatic event; it’s how you
respond every day to the challenges that
life presents,” Eckhoff has learned. “Repetitive use of this ‘muscle’ builds strength and
enables you to do more and sometimes,
the impossible.”

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Here are few things you can try to get
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Get at least 7 hours of sleep every
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until you reach the point when you wake
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After struggling with shyness, he took on a
confidence-boosting job as an exotic dancer
in 2011, working with men at both ends of
the assertiveness spectrum. In this milieu,
he gained a better understanding of men’s
thoughts and actions related to women.
Through his career as a dancer while in his
own satisfying relationship, Rosenfeld also
personally communicated with about 50,000
women, many of which opened up about
their own trials and tribulations with dating.
A resident of Brisbane, Rosenfeld
launched the website MakeHimYours.com.

au in 2014, sharing what he’s learned in
order to help women stop experiencing
frustrations in dating and start attracting
healthy, happy relationships. He’s also
participated in the conversation at The
Good Men Project on what enlightened
masculinity means in the 21st century.

What are the greatest
misconceptions women
have about men?
Both genders face significant, yet different,
challenges, and so believe the other gender
has it easier. Men want to feel cared for
and heard. Many are terrified to approach
a woman; they fear rejection or not being

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What mistakes do women make in the courtship
phase?
Women often get ahead of themselves in the dating stage, instead
of taking enough time to let things unfold. I tell women to slow
down and date multiple men to counter that tendency. It’s also
good to “widen the funnel” and date different types of men,
especially if you seem to attract the so-called “wrong” type. Keep
deep emotions and commitments out of the courtship phase,
while you discover who someone is and if they are right for you.

Why do both genders need to nurture their
feminine energy?
As a man, I can spend too much time on my masculine energy
and be too logical and focused on end results. I can lose a sense
of self, presence and connection with the present moment.
Meditation is one entry point; I find practicing a martial art is
grounding, as is spending quality time with a woman. If an individual spends too much time in either energy, imbalance occurs;
everyone has to find their own equilibrium.

What are good ways to practice self-care while
seeking and sustaining a relationship?
Find activities in your day that make you feel nurtured, happy
and good about yourself. Take care of your health, home and
friendships. Exercise some independence. Make your life fulfilling, so that men want to be part of your exciting days.

nection with to physically or emotionally wander away, or risk
the object of their affection thinking they aren’t interested. Make
sure they are reciprocating the effort you put in.
Prioritizing is another sign; a person will find a way to see
someone they care about. A key third sign is integration. They
will want to respectfully integrate you into their world more and
more, introducing you to friends, family and work colleagues.
Look for this overall pattern to continue over time. It’s vital
to let people prove themselves with their actions.
Alison James is a freelance writer in Washington, D.C.

How can we best navigate the world of online dating and other means of meeting potential mates?
It starts with your mindset. If you think you will be on a dating
site for three weeks and find a mate, don’t bother. Be prepared to
engage for a minimum of six to 12 months. Consider bad dates as
reasons to laugh.
Think of it as “online introducing”. It’s up to you to quickly
get past the chat stage to real communication and real dates.
Online potential mates don’t have a “vibe” for you like they do in
person. I suggest talking with prospects on the phone and keeping first dates short. Keep an open mind to recognize prospects
you might otherwise overlook.
Online dating is a supplement, not a substitute, for meeting compatible men or women in real life. You should be tapping
networks of friends, family and colleagues to make connections,
as well as being open to meeting potential mates at public events.

Which signs indicate that a dating prospect
wants to pursue a genuine relationship?
Emotional momentum, combined with consistency, is an important sign. Anyone can put in effort for a little while; but do they
periodically disappear? No one wants someone they feel a conFebruary 2018

39

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re you always juggling a million
different tasks, spinning your
wheels and getting nothing done?
Being organized helps you have time to
focus on what is most important in your
life. Use the New Year as an opportunity
to create new processes in your life to keep
your personal life running smoothly.
Successfully making changes is about
more than resolutions; it is about creating
new habits cultivated by clearly defined
steps and measurable outcomes. The key
to managing all that you have to get done
is to put systems in place for navigating
daily tasks. By putting as many simple
tasks and processes on autopilot, you will
simplify your daily life.
Take a step back and think about the
two or three most challenging areas of
your life as far as processes. They can be
simple activities, but ones that take up a
lot of brainpower. List the tasks, and think
through how to do them in a simpler,
more consistent way each day.
Some examples of tasks that take up
time, but can be easily streamlined are:
weekly meal planning, grocery shopping,
morning routines or setting up a monthly
family calendar. If your New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s goal is
to have a simplified morning routine, your

plan may be: have each family member
pack their lunch and snacks the night before, place packed up schoolbags next the
door and set out clothes the night before.
This will set everyone up for success when
the morning rush rolls around.
Investing time into planning will
make life happier for everyone. Continue
to think about steps to take in order to
help make things run more smoothly at
home, work and on the go.
For professional help, Everyday
Organizing Solutions by Sherry provides
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and with helping children and teens to get
organized. Sherry develops customized,
individualized plans and solutions to help
clients better manage their stuff, activities,
physical space, work and family by helping
everyone to be the best they can be.

Sherry can be contacted at Everyday Organizing Solutions by Sherry at SOnweller@
aol.com or 908-619-4561. For more information, visit EverydayOrganizingSolutions.
com. See CRG on page 57.
February 2018

41

Ye Liew/Shutterstock.com

green living

Blume was recently engaged to invite
speakers and coordinate presentation content
for the three-day online Gardening and
Homesteading Skills Summit hosted by The
Shift Network. Last October, 20 leading farmers, master gardeners, homesteaders and other
experts shared innovative, environmentally
friendly advice for providing food and adopting eco-friendly practices.
Blume, who grows fruit and vegetables
and raises chickens, sheep and bees on 22
acres, plans to launch her Fantastic Farm
Store this month, and will offer spring
classes at her institute, as well as at the Rogue
River Community Center, in southern Oregon. “Everyone should grow their favorite
vegetable from seed; think about the animal
if eating meat; and take a nature field study
class. These all connect us to nature and our
world,” advises Blume.

CITY HOMESTEADING
Creating Sustainable Urban Living
by Randy Kambic

H

omesteading is a broad field. “Along
with planting produce, we encourage
people to compost, change how they
use water, learn about biochar—a long-term
soil amendment that returns carbon to the
earth—and employ creative economics, includ-

Food as Medicine
David Crow, teacher, author of In Search of the
Medicine Buddha and founder of Floracopeia
Aromatic Treasures (Floracopeia.com), is a
leader in research and development of growing herbs for medicine, working from Grass
Valley, California. He extols the importance

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of gardens of all types—backyards, schools,
neighborhoods and public spaces. “They can
strengthen communities, beautify life and
reduce crime,” he says. In his home state,
he helped launch The Learning Garden, at
Venice High School, in 2001. “It’s an eyeopener for youngsters, and they take pride in
ownership.” People without a garden plot can
place a pot inside or on a balcony or find a
community garden.
“Medicinal plants don’t have to be
a luxury of the wealthy. You can spend a
fraction of the $30 for a drug prescription
in growing most of them, and then trade for
others with neighbors,” says Crow. He particularly values oregano, thyme, rosemary,
lavender and basil.
To increase yields, home gardeners may
consider daily drip irrigation—a system of
tubes positioned just above the soil, with tiny
holes spaced at regular intervals. It can conveniently work on a timer with an automatic
shutoff during rain. Other benefits include
water conservation and better soil structure
by avoiding puddles from manual watering.
“Drip irrigation can be especially helpful during dry spells, which can run two to
four weeks in many climates,” says Robert

Kourik (RobertKourik.com), landscape consultant, horticultural researcher and author
of Drip Irrigation for Every Landscape and
Climate, and last year’s Understanding Roots.
“It can be effective for virtually any fruit or
vegetable, except water crops like rice and
cranberries.”

Green Living
Carol Venolia, author, speaker and architect
in Santa Rosa, California, (ComeHome
ToNature.com) has designed homes of straw,
earth and sustainably sourced and reclaimed
wood throughout the West. She consults on
greening schools, healing centers, camps and
eco-villages, and stresses the benefits of sunlight as in her new e-book, Get Back to Nature
Without Leaving Home. She says, “Sunlight’s
many wavelengths, shifting directions and
intensities render biological effects that keep
us functioning well. Watch how it enters your
home; changes occur daily and seasonally.”
It’s easy to move furniture to align with
sunshine. In warmer climates, attach plant
trellises or fabric awnings outside windows
to filter or direct reflected light. “Add a potted
plant to a window and a picture of a natural

scene on a wall. Take the time to get out into
woodlands,” advises Venolia.
She commends Marc Rosenbaum,
of South Mountain Company, in Martha’s
Vineyard, Massachusetts, as a green building leader who “brings a soulful approach,
as well as engineering, data and technology efficiencies, to a project.” Along with
green building goals like zero net energy,
Rosenbaum strives to create homes that
are healthy, comfortable, resource-efficient,
durable and adaptable by the people that
inhabit them.
Along with being part of the slow food
movement and do-it-yourself trends, Blume
believes, “Homesteading gives people the
feeling they are making a positive difference by making sustainable changes in their
lifestyle and home.”
For summit recordings or transcripts and notices of upcoming events like the online annual
Plant Medicine Telesummit in March, visit
TheShiftNetwork.com.
Randy Kambic, an Estero, FL, freelance editor
and writer, regularly contributes to Natural
Awakenings.

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healthy kids

Banishing
Body-Image Blues
How Teens Can Learn to Love Their Looks

M

by Amber Lanier Nagle

any young women don’t feel
comfortable in their own skin. A
21st-century global study sponsored by Unilever’s Dove brand found that
90 percent of girls from 15 to 17 years old
wanted to change at least one aspect of their
physical appearance, especially their body
weight. University of Minnesota research
following adolescents for 10 years showed
that about half of the female participants
had dieted in the previous year, twice the
number of males.
Tracy Anderson, a mother of two and
fitness expert, has spent the last 18 years
working with women seeking balance in
their bodies. In her recent book, Total Teen:
Tracy Anderson’s Guide to Health, Happiness,
and Ruling Your World, she observes, “Teens
are depleted from comparing themselves
to the shapes of others and from scolding
themselves: ‘I should be thinner, I should be
able to fit in those pants, I should be in better
shape.’ But looking good on the outside must
start with feeling good on the inside.”

Lopolo/Shutterstock.com

Monitor Thoughts

Anderson believes we feel most happy and
fulfilled and accomplish the most when our
minds are calm, clear and alert.
“If young women learn to connect with
their mind, identify when their thoughts are
anxious or stressed, and practice conscious
breathing and meditating to regain a calm,
centered state, they’ll be able to rebalance
themselves for the rest of their lives,” she
says. “By keeping a thought journal for a
while and noticing when their thoughts have
negative undertones, they can retrain their
attitude.”
Live a complaint-free day once each
week. Every time a negative thought pops
up, expel it and focus on a positive aspect
of the idea or experience. Also invest a few

44

North Central NJ Edition

moments each day feeling thankful for successful aspects of life. “After a while, these
exercises become habitual,” says Anderson.
“Happy, high-achieving people fill their
minds with positive, uplifting thoughts,
affirmations and sincere gratitude. It’s
widely proven to work.”

Eat Well

“Most teens can eat junk food all day long
and still wake up the next morning ready
to take on the world,” Anderson says. But
such an unhealthy routine “shapes eating
patterns for the rest of their lives, eventually catching up with them.”
She strongly believes every young
woman should routinely ask herself, “Is
this real food?”
“A potato is a real food, or whole
food, but instant mashed potatoes are processed. A fresh ear of corn is a whole food;
corn chips are processed. If you want to
feel strong and healthy and look great, eat
whole foods,” says Anderson.
Also, note how the body responds to
eating specific foods. Here again, a journal
can help. “Jot down how a food made you feel
after 15 minutes, an hour and two hours. Are
you alert or sluggish? What signals are your
stomach and brain sending? It’s useful information to make better ongoing food choices,”
Anderson advises. She also advocates drinking plenty of water and eating organic foods
when possible, and warns teens against skipping meals or snacks when their developing
bodies feel the need for fuel.

Move More

For some teens, exercise
movements don’t feel
comfortable or natural,
which hinders them from
doing healthful exercise.

NaturalAwakeningsNJ.com

“I’ve found that if a young woman practices exercises for a while privately, she’ll
become more comfortable and confident
over time,” says Anderson. “It’s like learning a foreign language, musical instrument
or any skill. You master the basics first and
build on them. With practice, you start feeling more at ease.”
In her book, Anderson offers many
step-by-step, illustrated workout moves
designed to daily tone arms, legs and abs,
and increase strength and flexibility. Many
incorporate fun dance components that
work well with music.
“Regular exercise releases endorphins—the hormones that make us feel
happier and better about ourselves,” she
says. “For young women navigating the
emotional ups and downs associated with
menstrual cycles and puberty, exercise can
be a lifesaver.” Whether it’s yoga, walking,
martial arts, dancing, hiking, biking, horseback riding, climbing, skiing, gymnastics
or tennis, teens need to find “some kind of
movement and activity to become part of
their everyday life.”
A University of Wisconsin metaanalysis of 77 studies examining women’s
body images suggests body dissatisfaction
is a risk factor for eating disorders and a
significant predictor of low self-esteem,
depression and obesity. Helping young
women build, strengthen or regain their
positive body image and self-esteem works
to empower a new generation and enables
them to enjoy happier, healthier lives.
Amber Lanier Nagle is a freelance writer in
Northwest Georgia (AmberNagle.com).

inspiration

SELF-LOVE
A
by Charlie Chaplin

s I began to love myself, I found that anguish and emotional suffering are only warning signs that I was living
against my own truth.

Today, I know, this is AUTHENTICITY.

As I began to love myself, I understood how much it can
offend somebody as I try to force my desires on this person, even though I knew the time was not right and
the person was not ready for it, and even though
this person was me.
Today I call it RESPECT.
As I began to love myself, I stopped craving for
a different life, and I could see that everything
that surrounded me was inviting me to grow.
Today I call it MATURITY.

Igor Brisker/Shutterstock.com

As I began to love myself, I understood that at any
circumstance, I am in the right place at the right time,
and everything happens at the exactly right moment.
So I could be calm.
Today I call it SELF-CONFIDENCE.
As I began to love myself, I quit stealing my own time, and
I stopped designing huge projects for the future. Today, I
only do what brings me joy and happiness, things I love to
do and that make my heart cheer, and I do them in my own
way and in my own rhythm.

Today I call it SIMPLICITY.
As I began to love myself, I freed myself of anything that is no
good for my healthâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;food, people, things, situations and everything that drew me down and away from myself. At first I called
this attitude a healthy egoism.
Today I know it is LOVE OF ONESELF.
As I began to love myself, I quit trying to always be right,
and ever since, I was wrong less of the time.
Today I discovered that is MODESTY.
As I began to love myself, I refused to go on living
in the past and worrying about the future. Now,
I only live for the moment, where everything is
happening.
Today I live each day, day by day, and I call it
FULFILLMENT.
As I began to love myself, I recognized that
my mind can disturb me and it can make me
sick. But as I connected it to my heart, my
mind became a valuable ally.
Today I call this connection
WISDOM OF THE HEART.
We no longer need to fear arguments, confrontations or any kind of problems with
ourselves or others. Even stars collide, and
out of their crashing new worlds are born.
Today I know that is LIFE.
Chaplinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s World museum, in Switzerland,
opened in 2016 (ChaplinsWorld.com/en).

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 4
JourneyDance Session – 2-3:30pm. JourneyDance
is a moving and dance meditation that allows participants to clear emotional energy through their own
natural movement. It combines freestyle and structured movement to encourage a deep connection to
self and to the tribe of dancers. It is facilitated, not
taught. The facilitator works to maintain a positive,
judgement-free zone where all participants feel
comfortable. $30 for session or only $20 w/donation of items for food pantry. We strive to increase
the vibration of abundance and nourishment for
the world. Mind Your Body Studio,4 Park Avenue,
2nd fl, Madison. For info call/text 917-405-0596 or
jeanfedora@hotmail.com.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 8
Ancient Wisdom for a Healthier You – 6-7:30pm.
In this workshop you will learn about the guiding
principles of Ayurveda, an ancient holistic system
of self-care and healing. $30. Chambers Center for
Well Being, 435 South St., Suite 160, Morristown.
973-971-6301. chamberscenterprograms@atlantichealth.org. ChambersCenterForWellBeing.org.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 10
Thetahealing Valentine’s Workshop – 2-7pm.
Class held in Westfield, NJ. 908-264-4344. For
details, visit ReshmaShah.com.
Valentine’s Day Partner Flow & Thai Massage –
3-4:30pm. Celebrate the joy of being present with
the one you love as you dive into the flow of a partner
yoga practice that is as playful as it is sweet. Concludes with a deeply relaxing and restorative Thai
Yoga Massage, where each participant offers and receives. Suitable for those with some yoga experience
or an active lifestyle & open heart. (Call if you have
had a recent injury/surgery, so we can determine if
this workshop is right for you.) $30 per couple, preregistration required. Highland Yoga, 1572 Rt. 23,
Butler. 973-838-9642. HighlandYoga.com.
Mindful Melodies with Live Acoustic Guitar with
Chelsea McCluskey – 7:30-9pm. Easing through a
thoughtful yoga sequence can be like hearing your
favorite song.It has the power to refresh the mind
and uplift the soul. Like yoga, music helps us to
feel more grounded, more connected to the present
moment. Spend a Saturday evening enjoying a sweet
combination of gentle/restorative yoga, meditation,
and live music. Chelsea McCluskey will guide the
yoga class, which will be accompanied by original
acoustic guitar melodies courtesy of Chris Gennone.
$30 workshop, $5 Early Bird Discount. Purple Om
Yoga, 3118 Route 10 West, Denville. 973-343-2848.
jennifer@purpleomyoga.com. PurpleOmYoga.com.

Yoga Fundraiser Benefiting the National Multiple Sclerosis Society – 12:00-1:30pm. Join yoga
instructor Tara Temple on a healing experience of
Yoga Nidra with live musical accompaniment by
Wolf Van Bistram. No experience necessary. All
proceeds donated to the National Multiple Sclerosis
Society. On online donation of $20 can be made at
http://main.nationalmssociety.org/goto/RoeCollopy
or a $25 cash donation can be made at the door.
Highland Yoga, 1572 Rt. 23, Butler. 973-838-9642.
HighlandYoga.com.

Jin Shin Jyutsu Self-Help Class – 6-7PM. In this
self-help class we will teach participants different

For more complete calendar information, see Natural AwakeningsNJ.com.

techniques to help bring their bodies back into
balance. These therapies have been shown to be
useful in reducing anxiety and pain; accelerating
healing; and promoting a greater sense of wellness.
$20. Chamber Center for Well Being, 435 South
Street, Suite 160, Morristown. 973-971-4890 or
Chamberscenterprograms@atlantichealth.org.
ChambersCenterForWellBeing.org.

markyourcalendar
The Association
For Higher Awareness presents

SOUND THERAPY WITH
HIMALAYAN SINGING
BOWLS
Presenter: Sandee Moreta
Tuesday, February 6
7:30 PM - Doors open at 7
All are welcome to join us for speakers and
workshops designed to inspire you on your
journey toward higher awareness.
We meet the first Tuesday of every month
except July & August.
$10.00 donation at the door
Madison Masonic Lodge
170 Main Street, Madison
Ahanj.org and facebook.com/ahanj.net

savethedate
savethedate event listings are designed for
significant, exclusive, future, or multi-date
events that require planning or reservations.
Total word count cannot exceed 75 words. Cost
per listing is $30. Email Listings to Publisher@
NaturalAwakeningsNJ.com by the 10th of the
month prior to listing month.

Become a
Certified Nutrition Consultant
in 6 Months and put the letters CNC after your name. This recognized
qualification is obtained through the American Association of Nutritional
Consultants, AANC.

JourneyDance Session – 1-2:30pm. JourneyDance
is a moving and dance meditation that allows participants to clear emotional energy through their own
natural movement. It combines freestyle and structured movement to encourage a deep connection to
self and to the tribe of dancers. It is facilitated, not
taught. The facilitator works to maintain a positive,
judgement-free zone where all participants feel
comfortable. $30 for session or only $20 w/donation of items for food pantry. We strive to increase
the vibration of abundance and nourishment for the
world. Diamond Studio, 450 Hamburg Turnpike, 2nd
Floor, Wayne. For info call/text 917-405-0596 or
jeanfedora@hotmail.com.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21
Vibrational Healing with Singing Bowls – 11am12pm.Listen to the healing sounds of the bowls as

Raise Your Vibe Event – Times vary. Mar. 9-11.
Raise the Vibe is an immersion into self and spiritual
development, with engaging workshops, and focus
on deeper understanding. Featured is Ataana, author,
energy and crystal healer and intuitive. All-inclusive
weekend at Woodloch Resort in the Pocono Mtn.
area. Sponsored by Empowered Light Holistic
Expo. For information, visit EmpoweredLight.com
or contact Deanna at 484-498-5726 or empoweredlightholistics@gmail.com.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24

SATURDAY, MARCH 10

Introduction to Meditation – 12:00-1:30pm. The
benefits of meditation are profound and numerous,
yet sometimes students are deterred from meditating
because they fear they’re not “doing it right.” To
make meditation more accessible, Highland Yoga
Co-owners Stephen and Carolyn are offering a free
Introduction to Meditation Workshop to explore
different styles of meditation and easy ways to make
meditation a natural part of your daily life. Free, but
pre-registration is required. Highland Yoga, 1572
Rt. 23, Butler. 973-838-9642. HighlandYoga.com.

Find Meaning in Life Retreat – 9am-3pm.
Sometimes the life we have lived is not what we
envisioned, so let’s re-examine that beautiful canvas we have been given and assess the colors and
contours of the art that is your life. Through lecture,
discussion, yoga, meditation, and self-discovering
activities we can find meaning in our daily activities and fall in love with the real image that is our
life. All religions/backgrounds welcome. $40, inc.
vegetarian breakfast/lunch. Waterloo Village, Waterloo Road, Stanhope. To register, visit sites.google.
com/view/waterloovillageretreat/home

th

JourneyDance & Nia Special Event – 7-8:30pm.
Special event, “Conscious Dance Through Form
and Freedom.” This 90-minute session will help
participants empower themselves as they move
through the form and freedom of Nia Technique
and the freedom of JourneyDance, two powerful
movement practices that may seem like opposites,
yet they actually complement each other using a
fluid structure that brings awareness to one’s body
while allowing expression and moment to unfold.
$40 for session or only $35 w/donation of items for
food pantry. We strive to increase the vibration of
abundance and nourishment for the world. YogaCentric, 238 Colfax Ave, Clifton. For info call/text
917-405-0596 or jeanfedora@hotmail.com.

Psychic & Spiritual Development Circle – 7-9pm.
Also, Wed 9:30-11:30am; Sat 8:30-10:30am. Learn
to develop your intuitive abilities. Meets once a
week from Jan-May 2018. Topics may include
auras, chakras, psychic senses, energy/vibration
and more. Energy is built as a group as you learn,
explore and expand your gifts. Non-refundable deposit and a weekly class fee. Blossoming into Light,
401 Route 24, Chester. Pre-registration is required.
Contact Sue via text 862-222-4268 or email sue@
theartoftheheart-chester.com for registration form
or the link to register online for the class you are
interested in.

Tuesday
Kripalu Yoga with Angela – 9-10:30am. Kripalu
yoga uses classic poses, pranayama, development
of a quiet mind, and the practice of relaxation. It
emphasizes following the flow of prana, practicing compassionate self-acceptance, developing
witness consciousness, and taking what is learned
“off the mat” and into daily life. Angela often plays
the harmonium to begin and end the practice with
mantra. A mixed level class is suitable for students
of various experience levels. Highland Yoga, 1572
Rt. 23, Butler. 973-838-9642. HighlandYoga.com.

Meet Your

Natural Match
On Our Newly
Upgraded Website

We invite you to join and
experience a truly conscious,
loving, dating environment
with amazing members.
Winter is here; be proactive
by joining today. Your
natural match is waiting to
meet you!

In the USA,
February is
National Pet
Dental Health
month
classifieds
Have a business opportunity,
job opening, space for rent,
or other need?
Place your classified ads here 30
words for $30, extra words $1 each.
Email to Joe@NaturalAwakeningsNJ.
com by the 10th of the month prior
to publication date.

Awaken the Master Within – 6:30-8:30pm,
3rd Wed. each month. Workshop/Class on
Transformation through the Art of Self-Mastery.
$25. Portal of Healing, 50 Main Street, Chester.
debbie@portalofhealing.com. 201-841-0358.
PortalOfHealing.com.

Shamanic Journeys at Neolyth – 7-9pm. Gathering for those who like to explore their Soul connection with Nature and Wisdom, while exploring
the symbolic imagery of shamanic dreaming. $10
donation. NEOLYTH, 39 Glenridge Ave, Montclair. brian@neolyth.com. HearthElement.com.

Kripalu Yoga with Angela – 9:45-11am. Kripalu
yoga uses classic poses, pranayama, development
of a quiet mind, and the practice of relaxation. It
emphasizes following the flow of prana, practicing compassionate self-acceptance, developing
witness consciousness, and taking what is learned
“off the mat” and into daily life. Angela often plays
the harmonium to begin and end the practice with
mantra. A mixed level class is suitable for students
of various experience levels. Highland Yoga, 1572
Rt. 23, Butler. 973-838-9642. HighlandYoga.com.

t. Valentine's
Day falls on
February 14th of
each year. Although
the name is Saint Valentine's Day, most people refer
to the day as Valentine's Day, or
even the Feast of Saint Valentine. It was originally a day to celebrate Saint Valentinus, who
performed weddings for soldiers who were
not allowed to marry. He was imprisoned for
this, as well as for ministering to Christians.
Saint Valentinus wrote a letter to the daughter
of his jailer before he was executed. His letter
was signed "From your Valentine." He was
buried on February 14th. Valentine's Day was
not associated with romantic love until the
Middle Ages. By the 1700s in England it began to resemble the Valentine's Day we know
today. At this time lovers began to express
their love with gifts of flowers, candy and
cards, which were called "valentines."
Source: softschools.com/facts/holidays/
valentines_day_facts/148/

Dr. Rosenfarb is world renowned in
the field of holistic eye health. He is
passionate about helping people with
degenerative eye diseases. Learn of
his astounding work in this area—
call now to qualify for your free copy
of his ground breaking book,
“Recover Your Vision.” Additional
specialties include glaucoma, retinitis pigmentosa and
diabetic retinopathy. See ad on page 42.

Readings & Spiritual Life Coaching by Lisa
17 Main Street, Sparta
973-570-7725
Specialists in all matters of
life—love, career, luck,
happiness, health and more.
Past-Present-Future. Let me
help guide you through those
unanswered questions. Call
today—no appointment necessary. For details on
first reading special see ad on page 21.

M o rg a n R e a d e h a s s t u d i e d
Acupuncture , herbal and dietary
therapy. He is board certified and
licensed in Florida and NJ. He
specializes in female health
including autoimmune and fertility.
Other areas of expertise include
digestive disorders, food allergies
and Lyme disease. Born and raised in West Caldwell
is where he currently resides and opened his first
office there. His second location is in downtown
Madison, NJ. See ad on page 35.

Biofeedback uses sensors attached to the body
to magnify your body’s reactions in the form of
a signal (lights, sounds, numbers, and colors)
increasing awareness about your response at the
present moment. Using this information or feedback
along with therapeutic techniques you can learn
how to regulate central nervous system functions,
calming mind and body. Also called applied
psychophysiology, biofeedback is a well researched
and effective complimentary medical treatment
for conditions such as chronic pain, stress related
problems, anxiety with somatic components (muscle
tension, gastrointestinal discomfort, headaches, tics,
and pain) and attention disorders. It is also beneficial
for improving performance in academics (reducing
test anxiety, improving focused concentration).
Please visit the above website for more details.

Many people dismiss chiropractic
as being something only for back
pain, but chiropractic treatment can
be used to treat a wide variety of
physical issues, such as migraines
and headaches, chronic pain, carpal
tunnel, pain due to injury or muscle
strain, and much more. See ad on
page 43.

NaturalAwakeningsNJ.com

COACHING
DAVID SCOTT BARTKY

Certified Law of Attraction Life Coach
Certified Consulting Hypnotist
973-444-7301
Info@LifeCoachDavid.com
LifeCoachDavid.com
David is an experienced Law of
Attraction life coach who will teach
you powerful processes and
techniques so you can attract what
you want, instead of what you don’t
want in all areas of your life
(materialistically and emotionally).
First session is free. As a certified
Consulting Hypnotist David helps his clients with
stress management, fear of public speaking/
performing, weight loss, smoking cessation, and
other typical issues. He is also certified in Thinner
Band Hypnosis for extreme weight loss.

COLON HYDROTHERAPY
LIVING WATERS WELLNESS CENTER

Ann Ochs • Colon Hydrotherapist
I-ACT Certified, Advanced Level
Certified National Board for Colon Therapy
Body Ecology Diet Certified
26 Elm St., Morristown
973-998-6550 • ColonHealthNJ.com
AnnLivingWaters@aol.com
Ann Ochs has more than
eight years experience as
a colon hydrotherapist.
She holds an advanced
certification from the International Association of
Colon Therapists (I-ACT), is certified by the
National Board for Colon Hydrotherapy, and is a
certified body ecologist. Living Waters offers the
Angel of Water®, an advanced colon hydrotherapy
system, designed to offer the ultimate in privacy and
dignity. The Center is under the medical direction
of Kristine Profeta-Gedroic, MD, FAAFP. Call today
for an appointment. See ad on page 33.

NEXT LEVEL HEALING OF NJ, INC.

Susan Richter, RN, CCH, Nutritionist, LDHS
166 Franklin Road
Denville, NJ 07834
973-586-0626
Scared to try a colonic? Susan has
31 years experience with colon
hydrotherapy. Her system is gentle
and thorough, and you have her
expert assistance throughout the
session. Colon cleansing has long
been used to help the body absorb
nutrients and eliminate waste effectively - a great
way to enhance your chosen method of maintaining
health and wellness. Call her for a free 15 minute
consultation to determine if a colonic would be
beneficial for you, as there are certain conditions
that would warrant enzyme therapy first! Visit
NextLevelHealing.com/colonics to get the scoop!

DREAM INTERPRETATIONS
DREAM INTERPRETATION

Doris Snyder
973-768-8110 • Dreamwhiz24@gmail.com
Our dreams are compelling,
terrifying, and bizarre. But did you
know that they have a purpose? Let
me help you discover their message.
Sessions via phone, zoom, or office
visit.

ENZYME NUTRITION
NEXT LEVEL HEALING OF NJ, INC.

Susan Richter, RN, Nutritionist, CCH, LDHS
Denville, NJ. 973-586-0626
NextLevelHealing.com
Call Susan to fix the digestive issues
that accompany cancer, diabetes,
dementia and heart disease. With
thirty years of clinical experience
in alternative health care, Susan
often finds that the lack of nutrients
from foods begin the cascade to
disease. Learn to read the signals in
your body-mind that indicate poor nutrition, excess
toxins, or structural stress. Then learn the solutions!

MorningStar’s team of health
professionals cares for you like
family. Our membership based
practice cares for men, women
and children age 8 and up with a
functional approach to primary
care. See ad on page 13.

HOLISTIC BUSINESS
THE NATURAL LIFE BUSINESS
PARTNERSHIP
Camille Miller, Founder
TheNaturalLife.org

Join a community of likeminded entrepreneurs and
grow your business with us.
Membership provides
valuable business support,
local networking
opportunities and a collaborative professional
community specifically for holistic, spiritual, and
earth-centered business owners. We include food,
medicine, the healing arts, agriculture, and many
others. If you’re serious about building your
business become a member today! See ad on page
38.

HOLISTIC DENTAL CENTER
VLADIMIR GASHINSKY, D.D.S.

91 Millburn Avenue, Millburn, NJ 07041
973-457-4688
holisticdentalcenternj.com
We focus on performing holistic
dental care that is good for the body
as well as teeth and gums. We put
an emphasis on a more natural or
holistic approach to dentistry. As a
holistic dentist, Dr. Gashinsky
treats the cause of the problem and
not just the symptoms. He seeks to
improve his patients’ quality of life
through holistic dental care that respects and honors
the body. See ad on page 3.

HOLISTIC MEDICAL
NEXT GENERATION MEDICAL &
WELLNESS

Philip J. Cohen, MD
Denise M. Cohen, ND
75 Bloomfield Ave., Ste 106, Denville
908-455-2639 • pcohen@cohenwellness.com
CohenWellness.com
An integrative medicine
practice with a holistic
approach to patient
care. We combine the
insights of Functional,
Orthomolecular, Anti-aging, and Bioregulatory
medicine to create highly individualized treatment
plans just for you. We recognize and support the
body's innate power to heal, and encourage
conscious living and lifestyle. See ad on page 29.

Lory Sison-Coppola
Reiki Master, Past Life Regressionist,
Huna, Crystal Children Advocate, Readings
5 East Main St., Ste., 28B, Denville
973-796-4661
HunaHealingCenter@yahoo.com
HunaHealingCenter.com
The Center offers different
modalities that will raise your
Spiritual Awareness, heighten your
vibrations. We are dedicated to
understanding and providing for
those with specific needs. Classes,
Certifications, Healing sessions,
readings and counseling are
offered. See ad on page 28.

RESHMA SHAH MEDITATION
AND HEALING

Reshma Shah
Westfield • 908-264-4344
Info@ReshmaShah.com • ReshmaShah.com
Reshma is a certified ThetaHealing
Teacher and Practitioner with a
passion in helping individuals
recognize their limiting belief
patterns and tap into their true
potential. Her students learn the
practice of Thetahealing and her
clients benefit from one on one
sessions healing them from illness, trauma, chronic
pail, spiritual and emotional restriction giving them
miraculous transformations. Reshma specializes in
working with children and their parents teaching
them mediation, the use of alteration in life style
with Thetahealing® and the power of developing
intuitive abilities to transform their lives to their
desires. As per debut month, the first time clients
get 25% off their first session. See ad on page 22.

Need Relief from Arthritis? Try Aunt
Alberta's Remedy to ease muscular
aches and joint pain. Her Remedy is
a homeopathic pain relief cream that
penetrates deep into the skin and
muscle tissues. Get beneficial relief
from sciatica, fibromyalgia, arthritis, neuralgia, gout,
and more. All-natural ingredients! Do you want to
feel a real difference from the nagging aches of
arthritis? Feel less pain & have more range of motion?
Use Aunt Alberta's Pain Relief Cream! Get relief
today! Great buy, get a 4oz jar for $15! See website
for other options. See what people say about Aunt
Alberta’s Remedy and Purchase Now on our website.
AlbertasPainRelief.com.

HYPNOSIS
HYPNOSIS COUNSELING CENTER

2 E. Northfield Rd. #5, Livingston
28 Mine St., Flemington
43 Tamarack Cir., Princeton
3400 Valley Forge Cir., King of Prussia, PA
908-996-3311 • HypnosisNJ.com
With 30 years of experience Hypnosis
Counseling Center of New Jersey is
a full-service counseling center,
using both traditional counseling
methods and the art of hypnotherapy
in private and group settings. We
regularly hold adult education
seminars, work with hospitals, fitness
centers, and individuals who want to better their lives.
We specialize in weight loss, stress, smoking,
confidence building, phobias, insomnia, test taking,
sports improvement and public speaking. The State of
New Jersey and Fortune 500 Corporation alike employ
our programs.

The ancient Greeks
believed that amethyst
protected the wearer
from drunkenness.
56

North Central NJ Edition

NaturalAwakeningsNJ.com

MORRIS HYPNOSIS CENTER

Linda West, BA, ACH
55 Madison Ave., Morristown
973-506-9654 • MorrisHypnosisCenter.com
Advanced Clinical Hypnosis using
an interactive, personalized
technique; based on a lengthy
interview at our first session and
dialogues at following sessions. I
don’t talk “at” you; we both speak
before and during your hypnosis. I
also teach you self-hypnosis.
Specializing in weight, stress, smoking, chronic
pain, releasing the past, performance, obsessive
thoughts, substance use, sleep, fears, confidence,
and attention issues. Hypnosis can get you unstuck
in virtually any area of your life. If you have
constraints that you can’t seem to break through,
hypnosis can free you and put you back in charge.
Come for a free consultation to learn how you can
reframe your past and design your future.

MASSAGE THERAPY
FROM THE HEART MASSAGE

Jonnie Lester
3118 Route 10 West, Denville, NJ
(in Purple Om Yoga)
973-270-7549
jonnie@fromtheheartmassage.com
From The Heart Massage is owned
and operated by Jonnie Lester, a LMT
with the state of NJ. She has
certifications in PreNatal, Facial
Training, Barefoot Shiatsu, Rain Drop,
Hot Stone, Deep Tissue, Medical/
Trigger Point and Cancer Certification
Massage. She also specializes in
different modalities of energy therapy such as Reiki and
intuitive energy work. See ad on page 29.

MOBILE MASSAGE SERVICES
NJ SPA 2 U

Dara Winters
256-744-6000 • NJSpa2U.com
With 20 years experience,
Dara has eliminated the
travel, traffic and tension for
her clients. Offering
everything needed, extra time and reasonable
rates—all at Home. Everyone Receives $10 off Their
1st Massage Treatment! Please contact Dara for any
questions and to book your massage today. See ad
on page 9.

Visit ExtremeKleaner.com to
get your free sample of
Extreme Kleaner, a non-toxic
biodegradable multi-purpose
cleaner-degreaser aimed to
improve air and water quality and
reduce negative influences on the
environment. See ad on page 5.

NATURAL DENTISTRY
DR. PETER SILVER

Holistic Dentistry of New Jersey
204 Claremont Ave
Montclair NJ 07042
973-200-6493
DrSilver@holisticdentistryofnj.com
HolisticDentistryOfNJ.com
Nestled in the lovely town of
Montclair, Dr. Peter Silver practices
Minimally Invasive Ozone
Dentistry. Ozone is used to kill
bacteria in cavities and gum
disease, while speeding up the
healing of your tissue. Dr. Silver
also practices Guilt-Free dentistry,
where you are never made to feel uncomfortable
about the condition of your mouth. If you are
anxious about visiting the dentist, Dr. Silver uses
laughing gas and does sedation dentistry as well.
See ads on pages 30 and 31.

New office in Bedminster NJ
opening soon! Since opening in
2004, NJNM has seen and treated
countless patients with
Naturopathic, Chinese and
Biological Medicine. Some come
to NJNM to improve and maintain
their health, while others come
seeking treatments outside of the traditional medical
sphere. Regardless of the reason the guiding
principal remains constant: to observe and treat the
whole person, not just his or her symptoms. Using
this approach, NJNM is better able to identify and
treat the root cause of illness, help restore balance
and promote optimal health. See ad on page 15.

NUTRITION/EDUCATION
BACK TO BASIC WELLNESS

Back to Basic Wellness
866-222-6490
Digestivedivas@backtobasicwellness.com
BackToBasicWellness.com
The Digestive Divas have
years of personal and
professional experience using
food to heal the body. They
regularly study with doctors
to create programs on the cutting edge of nutrition
research that inspire and empower their clients.
Specializing in food intolerances, acid reflux, high
cholesterol, high blood pressure, high blood sugar,
persistent weight gain, and autoimmune disease,
they create personalized and innovative ways for
you to feel well, heal well, and be well. See ad on
page 36.

ORGANIZING SOLUTIONS
EVERYDAY ORGANIZING

SOLUTIONS BY SHERRY
Sherry Onweller-Professional Organizer
Serving NJ
908-619-4561 / email: SOnweller@aol.com
EverydayOrganizingSolutions.com
Everyday Organizing Solutions
by Sherry provides sympathetic
and nonjudgmental organizing
and decluttering services to
residential and business clients,
as well as helping female adults
with ADD get their physical
space/time management in order and helping
children and teens to get organized.

Pompton Plains (Rte. 23) and Montclair
908-577-0053 • Leslie@LeslieLobell.com
LeslieLobell.com
Do you suffer from anxiety or stress?
Do you want to lose weight, stop
smoking, gain self-confidence or
change a habit? Do you need support
and guidance through a life or career
transition? Are you ready to achieve
your goals, pursue your dreams, and
actualize your potential? You CAN
create the Life You Desire... I can help you MAKE IT
HAPPEN! Using proven techniques such as Holistic
Psychotherapy, Hypnosis, Stress Reduction, Reiki and
Dream Interpretation, I help teens & adults create
happier, healthier, more peaceful and fulfilling lives.
Allow me to assist you! See ad on page 21.

Americans have trouble with
spelling the word February –
last year, a press release from
the White House consistently
spelled it as Feburary.

SKIN CARE
CHANGES SPA & AESTHETICS

Cora Ciaramello L.E. C.P.E. LMT
Aesthetician
420 Boulevard, Suite 107., Mountain Lakes
973-588-3668
Cora@ChangesSkin.com
ChangesSkin.com
Cora Ciaramello is a licensed and
Board certified electrologist,
aesthetician and massage therapist
with 20+ years of experience.
Natural approach and the latest
esthetics, technology and
equipment to improve skin and
nourish body and soul to look your
absolute best. New Client Special: Mention this
publication and get 20% off your first appointment.
See ad on page 27.

SOUND HEALING
HEARTH ELEMENT

THERMOGRAPHY
LISA’S THERMOGRAPHY AND
WELLNESS

Lisa Mack, CCT, HHC
Thermographer and Holistic Counselor
See website for locations in NJ and NY
855-667-9338
lisa@lisasthermographyandwellness.com
LisasThermographyAndWellness.com
Thermography gives a very early
look at the most important indicator
of a potential health problem—
inflammation. Early stage disease
screening is an area in which
thermography excels. Whether your
pain is acute or chronic, or you are
merely curious about the state of
your health, thermography can help provide
answers. Radiation-free breast and full body
screenings for men and women. See ad on page 23.

Healing with Sound, Touch, and
Breath. Profound and lasting results:
Deep regeneration and repair of the
brain; better sensory performance;
stronger sense of self; and emotional
safety. “My greatest joy comes from
sharing the experience and the love
of being fully present in my body and
my life.” Karuna Ma. See ad on page 13.

Dr. Rosenfarb is world renowned in
the field of holistic eye health. He is
passionate about helping people with
degenerative eye diseases. Learn of
his astounding work in this area—
call now to qualify for your free copy
of his ground breaking book,
“Recover Your Vision.” Additional
specialties include glaucoma, retinitis pigmentosa and
diabetic retinopathy. See ad on page 42.

At the Chambers Center for Well Being, discover the benefits of integrative
medicine – an approach to health dedicated to treating the mind, body and
spirit. We offer a wide range of services including:
››Integrative physician

practice
››Health and wellness

programs
››Mindfulness-Based Stress

Reduction

››Acupuncture

››Skin care services

››Yoga and meditation

››Nutrition counseling

››Massage

››Cooking classes

››Energy therapies

››Parent coaching

››Hypnosis

For more information, call 973-971-6301 or visit us at ChambersCenterForWellBeing.org/Services

435 South Street, Suite 160, Morristown, NJ 07960

PROGRESSIVE HOLISTIC DENTAL THERAPIES
TRANSFORM QUALITY OF LIFE
Patients travel from around the world to experience
world class quality, service and expertise
Denville is famous for its medical community. So, it’s no surprise that a perfect smile is a must
have item in this friendly town. Hand crafting those smiles is the life work of Dr. Steiner
and Dr. Fine. Their office’s reputation has spread so far that they now treat patients from
around the world; often doing more smile makeovers in a single month that some
dentists do in a lifetime.
They also offer an amazing alternative for those living with missing teeth. This dramatic
advancement in the field of dental implantology now makes it possible for many
patients to switch from dentures to permanent implant supported teeth in only a few
hours. This new approach can be used to replace a single missing tooth or an entire
mouth. Patients leave the office after just one appointment with a beautiful and strong
smile. Discomfort is so minimal that most patients eat a light meal that evening.
Upon entering the front door you will immediately know that this is no ordinary
dental office, because that’s what most people say upon seeing it for the first time.
Among the practice’s notable patients are actresses, actors, astronauts, models and TV
personalities. However most of the doctor’s patients are everyday people who just want to
look their best.
Drs. Steiner, Fine and Kwiatkowski have focused their practice on those areas about
which they are highly passionate. (After all you wouldn’t ask your family doctor to do heart
surgery.) Those areas are Cosmetic Dentistry. Trained at the prestigious Las Vegas Institute
for advanced dental studies, they have devoted over sixty combined years to perfecting their
skills and have placed over 100,000 cosmetic restorations. Their main focus is on CoSMeT­
IC and FULL MoUTH reCoNSTrUCTIoN cases. This includes Implant Dentistry and
Neuromuscular orthodontics, which can avoid unecessary removal of teeth. Many people do
not realize that dental problems may be the cause of headaches, migraines, shoulder, back and
neck pain, noisy jaw joints and pains in the TMJ.
Drs. Steiner, Fine and Kwiatkowski pride themselves in having Morris County’s premier head,
neck and jaw pain relief center. Their office also offers a “limited warranty” that provides free repair
or replacement of restorative dental work, when a patient’s regular hygiene visits are maintained.
This kind of security could only be offered by truly World Class Dentists. This is why their
motto is: “Experienced professionals make the difference.”
Aesthetic Family Dentistry is pleased to offer Gentle Laser Periodontal Therapy
(GLPT) to treat moderate to advanced gum disease, a condition linked to
other serious health issues including heart disease and diabetes. This gentle
and less invasive superior state-of-the-art procedure eliminates the need for
traditional surgery. oral DNA and HPV testing is also available to determine
a patient’s periodontal health, as well as detect any possible genetic
proclivity toward gum issues.